We'll be bringing you live updates from Chelmsford Crown Court as Bourke faces Judge Charles Gratwicke via video link from prison, plus also further reaction throughout the day.

You can follow the latest updates from the courtroom using our live blog below:

17:03

And that is all

After a lot of waiting, a very short hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court today - the date of the next hearing has been set but that is about all. Thanks for joining us

17:03

The next steps

The date referenced by Judge Gratwicke - July 15 - has been set aside for a plea hearing to take place, with a provisional trial date of November 2, 2021, a full 18 months away.

17:02

Judge addresses Bourke

Judge Gratwicke has asked Bourke to stand - he said: “You are remanded in custody and you will be back here for as far I’m concerned on July 15”.

16:57

Defendant in the dock

Bourke is behind a glass screen in the dock. He’s wearing a grey jumper and has a shaved head and beard.

Judge Charles Gratwicke has also now taken his place in the courtroom

16:52

Sorry...again

We’re finally ready to go. Lawrence Bourke is in court in person now after technical difficulties and the hearing is beginning

16:22

We're standing by

Chelmsford Crown Court is due to close at 5pm, however we are still waiting for the case to begin. Reporter Louise Lazell has joined the hearing remotely on a video call but as of yet, we are not quite ready to start

15:55

Case set to begin now at 4.15pm

Hello again to those of you that have stayed with us. We understand the earlier issues have now been resolved and the case is anticipated to begin at 4.15pm

14:31

Case has been adjourned for now

Due to on-going technical issues in court, Judge Charles Gratwicke has postponed the hearing until “later on today”, but no exact time has been specified.

We’re sorry for the problems today and we will do our best to bring you coverage of the hearing when it eventually begins

14:27

No sign of progress just yet

The case was due to begin shortly after 2pm, however there are no signs of progress at this point.

It is understood that the courtroom is having issues connecting to HMP Chelmsford, where Bourke is being held on remand

14:21

Good afternoon

Good afternoon. Apologies if you’ve been having some technical difficulties accessing these updates; however our reporter Louise Lazell is standing by (remotely) in Chelmsford Crown Court to hear the case as Lawrence Bourke appears charged with the murder of pub landlord Scott Gilhooly